Peter Chiarelli made a small trade on February 1, adding forward Henrik Samuelsson in exchange for winger Mitchell Moroz. After yesterday’s avail, some may feel Edmonton will be inactive from now through the deadline. I don’t agree, suspect we will see at least some tinkering. We looked at possibilities in January, let’s have another look today.

February 27, 2016: Traded G Anders Nilsson to the St. Louis Blues for G Nicklas Lundstrom and the fifth-round selection used on LW Graham McPhee.

February 29, 2016: Acquired LW Patrick Maroon from the Anaheim Ducks for LHD Martin Gernat and the pick that was used on LW Jack Kopacka.

I think the Connolly deal might an interesting item to remember, if not this time possibly one year from now.

15 FOR THE OILERS

Arizona Coyotes: C Martin Hanzal shouldn’t be on this list, but I saw him last night. The cost currently (based on reports) is a young Mickey Mantle, so one imagines a team closer to Stanley will pay the price.

Arizona Coyotes: R Radim Vrbata is also a rental, might be a perfect fit—except, he has a bonus coming with a playoff performance and the Oilers are apparently close to the cap (with bonus overages).

Buffalo Sabres: G Anders Nilsson. 20 games this year, .922SP and a 9-7-4 record with a struggling team. I still think EDM should give Laurent Brossoit a chance, but Nilsson is an enticing option.

Colorado Avalanche: C Matt Duchene has a $6M cap and the Habs are backing up a Patrick Roy package, but Duchene as an Oiler is too tantalizing to ignore. Can you imagine? Teams would need oxygen placed at center ice and in all four corners of the rink.

Colorado Avalanche: R Jarome Iginla is 1-2-3 in his last 7 games, and he is being mentioned here and there. I don’t see it. It would have been a great story, and a substantial boost, but Edmonton’s turn arrived too late for a storybook chapter for one of the best locals ever.

Dallas Stars: R Patrick Sharp (32gp, 7-6-13) is one of my current favorites for Edmonton, partly due to his shot totals. His 95 shots in 32 games could represent an ideal match for Connor McDavid down the stretch. Price shouldn’t be too severe, interesting option.

Dallas Stars: R Patrick Eaves has 21 goals and a reasonable UFA contract, he should go for a big asset or two excellent ones. Averaging 4.57 shot attempts per game, that is the kind of shot volume Peter Chiarelli is probably looking for as a match for Connor McDavid (Jordan Eberle is also in the range, 4.52, but has had miserable luck this year).

Detroit Red Wings: L Thomas Vanek (43gp, 14-22-36) is going to be an expensive addition, and I still wonder if Detroit signs him before the deadline. Probably not a strong option for Edmonton because of the price, he would be close to a perfect fit.

Florida Panthers: RC Nick Bjugstad is absolutely a wheelhouse player for Peter Chiarelli based on his own established past. His contract is a dog, but no guts, no glory. He is 1-2-3 in five games since his return. Fascinating and scary (because contract) option.

Florida Panthers: G Reto Berra is in the AHL (27gp, .907) and shouldn’t cost a bunch. A reasonable approach might be to give Brossoit a couple of starts in the next two weeks and then make a decision.

New Jersey Devils: LHD Yohann Auvitu. I refuse to give up on this idea, especially because the Devils seem to be unaware of his potential. Sleeper I admit, but a worthy acquisition.

Philadelphia Flyers: R Matt Read is making big coin ($3.625M for this and next season) while shooting and scoring less this year (42gp, 7-5-12). Unlikely acquisition, but I like his speed and Edmonton needs some.

Philadelphia Flyers: G Michal Neuvirth. He was strong in January (6gp, .919) and is duplicating it in February (4gp, .940), and maybe Philadelphia signs him to a new deal. An attractive option if available.

Tampa Bay Lightning: C Brian Boyle (50g, 13-7-20) is apparently a player of interest to Edmonton, and at 6.06, 244 I imagine Peter Chiarelli has time for him. I cannot figure out a fair deal (Davidson has term and is inexpensive, you need something back that is going to have value beyond April if you are the Oilers) but maybe it becomes player and pick for player and pick.

Vancouver Canucks: R Alex Burrows (I know, I know) has 9-11-20 in 51 games and could offer the Oilers some scoring depth and another giant pile of agitation for opponents. It would be a very weird trade.

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OilClog:
Great post, then ducking quack finger biting Burrows gets thrown on the menu. No chefs special thank you very much.

This teams needs shooters and someone to win some face offs, Iginla, Sharp, and Boyle would be awfully interesting.

Duchene for Nuge, Pulj, and a 1st. Crazy cost but damn I want to see Tron on ice.

That’s an insane package and also decimates the right side depth chart further. Any trade should at least be made from an area of strength, so left side D. It also fits a need for the Avs. That’s why they allegedly want Hanifin+ in a trade for Duchene.

Now do you trade Nurse, a 1st and another piece for Duchene? Argh…that’ll hurt. But JP is untouchable at this stage, I think.

Oil take Condra as a bottom 6 option / Hendricks replacement if they can deal him in separate trade. Helps Tampa move a little money for guys they need to re-sign next year. They can always bury him for $300k if he can’t beat out (Khaira, Pitlick, etc).

If I trade with the Avs I’m not paying full price and I’m certainly not overpaying. They’re in the weak bargaining position.

Zero way Duchene resigns with Avs in two if they don’t sort out their club. Zero way they sort out their club unless they offload contracts like Duchene’s.

Colorado is going to want to extract value for their assets while they can. And any team that can afford the type of payment being asked can probably afford the UFA contract. If you’re a trading team you’re thinking “you’re trading me two years of Duchene”.

The comparisons with Hall are relevant from a player perspective but not at a trade level. The Oilers were in a better position than the Avalanche and Hall has a better contract and is younger.

I don’t see why you can’t just run McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge, and Letestu as your four pivots.

I’d prefer to pick up a veteran RW, preferably Sharp, Vanek, and Vrbata in that order. Then throw said player on McDavid’s wing and you’re set. Imagine having Lucic & Sharp guiding McDavid & Drai through the playoffs. They’ve been there and done that.

Also, I maintain that we should sell Hendricks. I would rather see Pouliot, Caggulia, and Khaira at 4LW over him. Furthermore, I’d rather the youngsters get playoff experience ASAP since they will likely have a future with this team.

Neither. But if I had to choose, probably Nurse. We still have Davidson/Reinhart/Oesterle/Russel who can fill on the 3rd pairing. Not to mention, we’ve got Jones and Paigan as pretty solid prospects.

I think keeping both is important, Klefbomb and Larsson are a good pairing who balance each other out well. Once Sekera is off the roster, (assuming we sell him on the last year of his modified no move clause), Nurse permanently takes 2LHD and we’ve got so much depth on LHD that 3LHD won’t be a problem at that time.

Nurse seems to track as a more complete defensemen. Am I wrong? From what I noticed he doesn’t use his shot from the point much, that’s my only knock on him. Most importantly, he’s physical, and I think it’s important to have a defender who is physical on every pairing. I also think that Benning is a good partner for him, as he’s a mini right-handed Sekera. Benning isn’t flashy, makes the smart simple decision, and provides a lot of stability.

If Bear is possibly our future 3RHD, (he fits our needs like a glove), then you’d probably be looking for a big, physical LHD who is more of a shut-down D. Minimum. Emphasis on the defensive side obviously. Reinhart certainly fits the bill, Paigan certainly has the frame but I’m not sure how physical he is.

Klef’s contract is too perfect for a team with trouble luring/keeping players.

Agree – Klef is untouchable right now – he’s got another gear offensively and defensively left, and he’s already very good. His contract is incredible value.

The Avs would want more than Nurse alone for Duchene. As much as I’d love to see his speed and face off prowess here, I don’t think Chia does Nurse + 1st.

We’re going to lose one of Davidson or Reinhart to expansion – Nurse is exempt. Also, have to think that Nurse is exhibit A of a Chia-type player.

After what Chia gave up to rebuild the D-corps, I don’t think he’ll trade from his depth there. A lot is said around here about the Leftorium – but I don’t see much legitimate NHL talent beyond Nurse. None of Reinhart, Musil, Simpson, Oesterle can be trusted to play regular minutes in the NHL yet – honestly I’d move any one of these guys for a scoring RW or a 3C. And Jones and Paygin are no where close to being ready.

Next year is shaping up to be:
Klefbom-Larsson
Sekera-Benning
Nurse-?

With the ? being filled by one of Davidson or Reinhart.
If Russell and Gryba don’t return, then there’s not much depth. Take Nurse away from that and our 3rd pairing will look awfully similar to the Falmes.

I’d love one of Sharpe or Eaves here – any idea what the cost would be?

Alex Burrows would be hilarious, but seems exactly like the kind of Rental Market splurge that Chiarelli is saying he will avoid. If Vrbata doesn’t fit at his relatively minuscule cap hit, it is extremely difficult to see Burrows doing so. Vrbata is the better option on all fronts and surely easier to make the money work.

Chiarelli’s supportive comments about LB aside, the Edmonton Oilers need a better option as their backup netminder. Having either Nilsson or Neuvirth, whichever one you can do the best deal for.

The worst thing that could happen down the stretch is Talbot being injured post deadline and LB faltering, putting the Oilers into a tailspin. Having Nilsson or Neuvirth AND LB should provide sufficient stability to get the Oilers to the playoffs with a reasonable chance to compete. Even if he doesn’t end up injured, Talbot should get an average amount of rest leading into the playoffs instead of the one-man-army routine he’s been performing of late.

Adding at other positions would be nice, but depth at G is of paramount importance.

Versatile forward who can play either side or center …. wins faceoffs, stats not inflated by too much PP time, right side of 30, plenty of playoff experience, signable for immediate future.

Also he is a shooter with above average shot and is used to playing in a heavy style of hockey. Just my 2 cents but seems like a possible long term add that would help the team not just in the here and now plus wouldn’t cost too many picks.

If I was GM I would be a seller at this trade deadline and not a buyer. Those pieces are too expensive for rentals and I don’t see us winning the cup.
Trade Russell for a second
Trade Hendricks for a 4th
Have these guys get some experience before addressing issues in the offseason. This team is not a Brian Boyle away from winning the cup

leadfarmer:
If I was GM I would be a seller at this trade deadline and not a buyer. Those pieces are too expensive for rentals and I don’t see us winning the cup.
Trade Russell for a second
Trade Hendricks for a 4th
Have these guys get some experience before addressing issues in the offseason.This team is not a Brian Boyle away from winning the cup

I would not be surprised if that happened. Chia’s verbal yesterday would line up with the notion that he’s going to sell off parts that he doesn’t think will be here in 1-2 years when the Oilers go from being “in the conversation” (for the playoffs) to cup contender. He seems to know that we are not a Brian Boyle away from winning the cup.

He may also look to pick up another forward with term who can be protected in the expansion draft – almost certainly they are going 7-3-1 – doubt he leaves Pat Maroon unprotected – the guys not a sexy name, but he is a damn good fit with Connor.

And to those of you who were suggesting “buying low and selling high” on Maroon in the last thread – this is not the stock market – thinking like this is why we can’t have nice things. “Buy low and sign to a contract extension for reasonable money” should be the mantra.

And this is not NHl17 either – this fantasy of getting sexy All-star or hot-shot junior player to play with McDavid – then Shazam! instant chemistry! – is completely naive. McDavid thinks pass first, second and third – he needs to play with someone who will go to the net hard and convert his tap-ins – a skill that is much, much harder than it looks. It takes speed, size, timing and good body/stick positioning to consistently get underneath NHL d-men and convert these chances – Maroon has always had this kind of ability, but up until this year his conditioning was holding him back. He’s the perfect winger for McDavid – stop trying to look for a solution to problem that doesn’t exist.

He’ll catch Tkachuk trying to sneak off the ice by the Flames bench and feed the little puke his teeth next pre-season. Or at least he would if this was 1989, things aren’t really done that way anymore.

Never say never though with Nurse. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t mind taking a suspension if it means getting his pound of flesh.

He’ll catch Tkachuk trying to sneak off the ice by the Flames bench and feed the little puke his teeth next pre-season. Or at least he would if this was 1989, things aren’t really done that way anymore.

Never say never though with Nurse. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t mind taking a suspension if it means getting his pound of flesh.

More reason not to even consider trading Darnell.
That’s not to say that Duchene is not a much better player than Darnell now and for at least the next 2-3 years – if we’re looking at pure statistical impact there’s no argument to be made, so I’m cognizant of the concern regarding overvaluing our young players.

But that puke Tkachuk is going to take a run at Connor someday, and we need Darnell around to feed him his teeth for the next decade. Darnell’s enthusiasm for violence is so unique in this regard, that we’d never find anyone to replace him.

I think we should give up on the idea of Duchene really – there are other trading partners that make much more sense that Edmonton – I was thinking Columbus could put together an enticing offer like Murray and Jenner + one of the their goalie prospects.

theDjdj:
If I trade with the Avs I’m not paying full price and I’m certainly not overpaying. They’re in the weak bargaining position.

Zero way Duchene resigns with Avs in two if they don’t sort out their club. Zero way they sort out their club unless they offload contracts like Duchene’s.

Colorado is going to want to extract value for their assets while they can. And any team that can afford the type of payment being asked can probably afford the UFA contract. If you’re a trading team you’re thinking “you’re trading me two years of Duchene”.

The comparisons with Hall are relevant from a player perspective but not at a trade level. The Oilers were in a better position than the Avalanche and Hall has a better contract and is younger.

The trade starts at Nurse 1 for 1 and doesn’t go past Nurse +.

My point of the post was Duchene is Elite.

I believe next year is a key year in Oilers assett management land. Before McDavid Extension kicks in and can afford even less scorers.

striatic: That’s still a million and change lower than Burrows’ base cap hit, assuming Vrbata runs the table on his playoff bonuses

The OIlers have or will likely max out their bonuses this year with McDavid and Draisaitl. It means Vrbata’s million plus bonuses will come directly off the cap next year, in what is probably a flat cap year.

Vrbata thus is an extremely expensive UFA rental, because he will knock over one million dollars off your cap next year, even before re-signing him or paying him a penny.

Vrbata ONLY makes sense for a team who has bonus room available under the cap THIS SEASON. That is NOT the OIlers.

godot10: The OIlers have or will likely max out their bonuses this year with McDavid and Draisaitl.It means Vrbata’s million plus bonuses will come directly off the cap next year, in what is probably a flat cap year.

Vrbata thus is an extremely expensive UFA rental, because he will knock over one million dollars off your cap next year, even before re-signing him or paying him a penny.

Vrbata ONLY makes sense for a team who has bonus room available under the cap THIS SEASON.That is NOT the OIlers.

Vrbata gets 250k when the team makes the playoffs and 250k for each round the teams wins for up to a total of $1.25M